Camellia c. 1818 - 1829

This is a print called ‘Camellia’ by the artist Hyakujō. Though undated, its visual style places it within a rich history of Japanese printmaking. The image presents a cluster of camellia flowers alongside columns of elegant calligraphy. The camellia in Japanese culture is more than just a pretty bloom. Its symbolism is complex, tied to both beauty and a sense of transience, given that the flower tends to drop from the plant in one piece when it dies. The calligraphy reinforces this complexity. In Japan, calligraphy isn't merely writing; it's an art form in itself. The style of writing, the ink's texture, and the layout on the page all contribute to the poem's meaning. The way these elements come together suggests an artist deeply engaged with his cultural traditions. To fully understand ‘Camellia,’ it’s worth exploring the social and cultural context of Japanese art, researching the symbolism of flowers, and delving into the history of calligraphy. With these kinds of resources we can start to unpack the significance of art that is deeply embedded in cultural traditions.